Home for the Holidays

My boss said that this year she was not going to do a lot of those crazy things to "get ready for Christmas." She was going to take the time to relax and just spend time with her family. That sounded like good advice to me. This year I tried to do much of the same.
Both of our girls are home from college. I began to think about how many more Christmases there would be with all of us together under the same roof. I really tried to take the time to appreciate being together as a family. And I want this time of year to be memorable for all of us.
I did a lot of cooking and baking, but only because I wanted to. I wanted the delicious aromas of freshly baked bread, cinnamon rolls, and holiday ham to fill the home. The tree needed to be REAL with the scent of balsam, and - yes - trimmed with tinsel, because that's part of the tradition, like enjoying our lighted houses collection, and exchanging presents on Christmas Eve after the traditional lasagna dinner.
The main event is Christmas Eve Mass. It was an honor to be asked to usher for this Mass ("greet and seat," so I say) , a way to serve and to share the spirit of this special night. Geo, not feeling quite up to par, opted for a quieter, gentler Mass, but that's okay; daughter A accompanied him, and daughter J went with me to help at the Catholic Center.
Snow was on the ground, so it was an official "White Christmas," hopefully like one we will be able to say, "we used to know"
with joyful family traditions.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, everyone.

NOT A HAIR-Raising Experience

We saw a production of Hair the other night. Strange experience. The audience was made up of mostly gray-haired Baby Boomers who lived the 60's. On stage were young people attempting to portray the 60's. The show was technically well-done, well-staged. What it lacked was authenticity.
Thinking back to the original production, I recall that Hair was major theatric culture shock to the "establishment" audience of the times. I guess I went to the current production hoping to sense some of that same spirit my generation celebrated some 40 years ago. It just wasn't there. The music was there, the intention was there, the high energy was there, but the spirit of the 60's was not communicated to this audience. The actors had not deleved deeply enough into understanding the revolutionary conflicts of the times. It was a fine production, but lacked the feel of the 60's to those of us who've been there and done that.
Throughout the show, and particularly in the finale, I watched the movements on stage thinking back to my younger days. I looked around the audience. Seems like they were trying to "get into it," but it just didn't happen. We watched the college kids on stage move, but they just didn't even dance in a convincing way. I couldn't help but think that, if the audience had gotten down on stage, they would be able to REALLY dance.
The experience was strange because, in the originial, the young people in the 60's shocked the over-30 generation audience. Some 40 years later, the young actors actually tried to portray the audience who were actually the original 60's generation. The shock was gone; it fell pretty flat. Somewhat disappointing.

So Percussion

Jenn tells me she was scanning radio channels and came upon a local classical station. It was the first time she tuned in. They happened to be promoting a contest - email the station for your chance to win. That's right, Jenn immediately emailed and the station called her to say she was the winner. The prize? A box of chocolates and 2 tickets to Friday's So Percussion performance at the Flynn. Jenn's BF happens to be an avid percussionist, so Friday night will see them at the Flynn enjoying the show. Jenn, how do you do it? We'll be waiting to hear the review. Click on this post's title for a link to the group.

From Brooklyn to Baliwood

From Brooklyn to Baliwood, from Indian movies to Scandinavian furniture - these were topics of conversation at a delightful dinner at Barb and Jerry's.
Geo and I were invited for Saturday evening, along with Lucy to meet Nectar. Lucy and Nectar were in doggie heaven gnawing on huge bones most of the evening.
Geo said the dinner could not have been finer. How did Barb and Jerry know that lamb is his favorite? The entire meal could have been featured in the centerfold of Bon Apetite. I am not a great fan of lamb, but I must say, this was the best ever, accompanied by creamy orzo and an appetizer of homemade pesto with warm-from-the-oven bread. Wine selection was a Merlot. Fantastic finish to the meal was Barb's own apple pie served with cheddar cheese and Vanilla Ben and Jerry's. (Addie K, you'd have loved it!)
Thank you, Barb and Jerry!
Now it's on to Montreal with B & J, perhaps to the Museum of Modern Art, the tea salon, the Vietnamese restaurant on St. Denis, and - of course - the chocolate store, all recommended by "one who knows."
(Has anyone noticed that many of these posts feature food???)

Please Pass the Pulled Pork

Geo was invited to a meeting of the Interpreter Implementation Committee of the Vermont Supreme Court. I tagged along. Purpose of the task force is to initiate planning to train interpreters of various languages for the Court.
The interpreter serves all sides in the hearing. Although it may be convenient for the interpreter to stand at the defendent's table, this may not be the best idea. The defendent may be surprised and upset that the interpreter, who knows his or her language and culture, is not advocating for the defense. The interpreter needs to be neutral, like a disinterested third party. However, is neutrality really possible? Is there risk of bias in the proceedings when the interpreter meets with the defendent outside of the courtroom?
Legal interpretation is a specialized skill. The plan is for standardized trainings in various locations in Vermont. Interpreters can be trained, but they cannot be "qualified" and they will not be "certified."
After the meeting Geo and I discovered a fabulous Bar-B-Q restaurant in Montpelier - Finkerman's. (Well, it was discovered long before we did.) We feasted on gumbo soup (sans okra) with lots of chicken and sausage, jalapeno grits, candied mashed sweet potatoes, and slices of cornbread with BBQ pulled pork. For dessert we had bourbon pecan pie with caramel sauce and a mountain of freshly whipped cream. Geo said it was absolutely El Paso quality. For sure we will return. When is that next interpreter meeting again?

UGANDA JOURNALS - The Inside Scoop

Just click on this title to see more, and follow the links.

Jenna's journal was included in the Burlington Free Press feature article about the SMC summer trip to Uganda. We are incredibly proud of Jenn for all her efforts to take this journey, we are thankful to Robert and Adie her professors who organized this trip to make it possible, we are appreciative that Jenn met Atem and has shared in his awesome family reunion, and we are grateful for all who have supported this endeavor in any way.

Here is just one excerpt of Jenn's Journal, June 28, 2005:
"I am home now. I overheard some girls at my work talking about tanning, and I became extremely frustrated.

For the past few weeks, I have only discussed intellectually about what I have experienced. Our group has been trying to decide where the money we raised this last year should go.

Yet these girls couldn't decide if it was better to tan themselves at home with a spray bottle or pay the extra cash and bronze at a spa.
My discomfort was not so much in the subject but in the fact I couldn’t fit into the conversation. It's not as if I could explain that there were people literally starving and living off measly rations and needed money so desperately.

I felt terrible not being able to say anything, especially when they finally decided to get a professional tan, the more expensive option.
When people wonder what I have been up to for a month, I tell them I was doing service in Africa, and immediately they ask to hear all about it. As sincere as his or her curiosity is, I know that no one really wants to know the horrid truth of what happened in Uganda. And Sudan. And Rwanda.

I can't even bring myself to verbalize some of the stories I have heard or describe how many must live. I tell people stories that will make Africa seem exciting and beautiful. How we had to wait for a family of elephants to cross the road, how I bought a pair of shoes for a girl who once wondered the market barefoot on top of garbage, how I met great people with interesting lives.

But I have yet to tell the really sad stories that I will never be able to erase from my memory.

I talked to people who watched their own homes burn to the ground, whose family was killed right before them while they hid in a potato field just a few yards away, who was forced to join the army and to kill others so not to lose their own lives.

I don't know if people are ready to really listen. And when they ask to see pictures, I wonder what it is they want to see: Pictures of people so skinny you can count their ribs? A picture of a woman who has been sick for 20 years whose eyes are clouded over in complete blindness?

I went to Africa and saw people who need our help now more then ever. These people were begging me, running after me calling my name, grabbing my arms, asking me for anything that I could spare. They would fight over my empty water bottle as if it were all the gold in the world. It makes me so sad that people have to hear these stories to be motivated to help, but at the same time, I have to remember that they don't know and are genuinely interested..."

Thank you, Jenna

risque, cliche, equalite

With Geo gone for a few days, I caught up with a few old movies I had not yet seen.
Finally viewed Animal Crackers. I was surprised at the risque undertones; I guess I didn't expect this from a 1930 film. Many long scenes, mostly vignettes. I liked the Art Deco and the fashions of the late 20's early 30's. I noted similarities in those styles with those of today with the sheer uneven hemlines and sleeves. It must have been thoroughly modern and trendy in its day, like VOGUE on screen.
I also watched Philadelphia featuring Tom Hanks. Great performance, an okay movie. I was disappointed in all the cliches depicting overt discrimination of gays and HIV, and would have preferred to see more of the subtle discrimination. But then this was a 1993 film and made an important statement in its day. There's been rapid societal change since then. Of course, discrimination still exists.
Addie K, I finally saw Mona Lisa Smile - from beginning to end. I came away thinking that this film is actually underrated. It does a pretty good job of showing expectations of women in the early 50's. I actually remembered some of the products in the advertising clips at the end...During WWII, women took the places of men in the factories. When the men came back from the war, women left the workplace to marry, have families and become fulltime homemakers. Many families, however, needed that second income, and women continued working outside the home.
Grandmother worked at G&H making airplane parts. After the war when she married, she continued working as a waitress and then returned to factory work because it paid better. She worked all of her adult life until she retired when she was 65. Women are still striving for equality in the workplace: equal jobs, equal pay, equal opportunity for leadership and promotion.
How about a woman as President of the United States? Isn't it about time? That's why I'd like to see the race between Hillary and Condi. But that's the subject of another blog.

"Hi, Judy, It's Me, Shirley"

I am having a great week. My friend Judy whom I haven't seen in over, ahem, 20 years has been traveling in New England with her sisters. They came to Vermont and Judy and I had the opportunity to see each other again.
Judy, you are as fun and fabulous as ever. Thanks for reminding me about the story of the new coat. I thought about it again today, and I just had to laugh out loud!
Your sisters are terrific. I enjoyed meeting them. I enjoyed "happy hour" at the hotel. I enjoyed seeing pix of your family and of the new home. I enjoyed our drizzly walk down Church Street and the seafood chowder at Rusty Scuffer. I enjoyed hearing people (all of you) who speak Wisconsin talk just like me. Thanks, girlfriend!
It's also been a great week because daughter Jenn has been home for a few days. Always great to get caught up on what's happening in her life, all she cares to share. And daughter Addie K reports an EXCELLENT weekend. Life is good!
Geo is heading to CT on a work assignment for a few days. (Don't tell him, but I'm having lobster when he's gone.) Prayers on the way for a successful outcome for his clients...

Care Net and Chocolate Cake

Thanks to Jim and Kay, Geo and I attended our very first Care Net benefit dinner. A very unique experience. There were so many people there, Geo and I thought at first we were not with the right group. What made it so unique was the mix of people who attended. We saw familiar faces in the crowd (and - at the next table - hopefully a future US Senator from VT). Although people in attendance were from different social circles and denominations, what brought everyone together was support for the option of life for preborn babies. There was an almost palpable positive energy in this crowd, filled with a gentle strength, hope, affirmation, and acceptance. It was both inspirational and somehow healing. I don't think one could experience this in any other gathering other than one that is pro-life. Obviously, you can tell I was very impressed.
Care Net is a pregnancy center that provides counsel and services to young women who need to make hard and difficult choices about unplanned babies. Information is provided about abortion and various pro-life options.
A high point was the opportunity to hear two very brave young women share about their encounters with Care Net, and to see their very beautiful healthy babies. These women and their infants continue to receive support from the Care Net staff, made possible by the generous contributions of doners.
For sure you will see us at next year's dinner.
The chocolate cake? That was dessert. Not like any chocolate cake, but one with cherry filling, whipped cream and lots of chocolate shavings. A perfect ending to a terrific meal in good company. Thank you, Jim and Kay.

SU DOKU, ANYONE?

One of the guys at training last week pointed out the Su Doku next to the USA Today crossword I was working on. Su Doku? I've heard it's been all the rage in Japan, spreading to the UK and throughout Europe, and now with books on the best seller lists here in the US. I've always been intimidated by numbers, so I thought this would not be for me. So I thought...
Don got me started with my first Su Doku. Addicting? I can only say that by the next evening I was out to buy the Nov 05 (first issue) DELL Extreme Su Doku, and yesterday found me in Borders for Mark Huckvale's The Big Book of Su Doku #2. Huckvale's book includes variations on the basic 9X9 theme.
If you think you may enjoy arranging numbers 1-9 in 9 boxes with no repeats in sequence, give it a go. It's all in the challenge.

The Reed and I

Mr. P., thanks for picking up on my interest in the jazz pianist Eric Reed. Now I am the one who is impressed that you also know his music.
I just traveled about 200 miles in my Blubaru for work training in Massachusetts. A sunny day, a front row leather seat to autumn in VT scenery, and Eric Reed accompanying me on CD. Work just doesn't get much better than this.
Hey, Bruce, are you there? Let me know if you start a blog, now that you are no longer on the radio waves.

Apple Cheddar Tart

Here's an easy recipe shared with me by Helen H. from The Catholic Center over coffee last Sunday. So simple and so good. Here goes:
Take one prepared frozen deep dish pie crust. Line bottom of crust with thin slices of sharp cheddar cheese. Fill with sliced apples prepared as for an apple pie (with cinnamon, sugar, a pat of butter, and don't forget a dash of nutmeg). Bake at 400 degrees until done (about 50 minutes or so).
I put the pie plate on a cookie sheet to catch any juice spills, and loosely covered the tart with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning of crust.
We just had some, still warm from the oven.
Thank you, Helen!

"White Cane Day" or Opportunities and a Blind Date

2 Major events this week:

Geo and I attended a press conference with Gov Jim Douglas at the Echo Center for the introduction of a new loan program provided through the Opportunities Credit Union. Opportunities is providing low cost loans to persons who may not otherwise qualify, for adaptive equipment to provide those with disabilities increased ease and mobility to fully participate in society. The equipment, or devices, are very often unaffordable to those who need them most. By taking part in this low cost loan program, more persons will be able to become gainfully employed, to become more actively engaged in advocacy, as well as to enjoy life more fully and independently. Opportunities is the only bank or credit union in this area providing this type of loan.

Last night was the first (hopefully annual) "Blind Date" event to raise funds to be used for adaptive hearing services for audio described plays, and soon-to-be- movies, for the blind and visually impaired. Think about it: a visually impaired person, even sitting in the front row, misses much of what is happening onstage, merely because he or she just cannot see what is happening. To hear the dialogue alone is inadequate to appreciate the production. The VT Council of the Blind has a program of training volunteers to audibly describe action, set, even facial expressions of the actors while a play is happening; this is transmitted through audio receiver headsets worn by those who request them. Through a generous grant, this on-going program was initiated. The benefit last night was to raise funds to continue this invaluable program. Major news is that the Capitol Theater in Montpelier will soon provide for audio description.

The benefit dinner was a "Blind Date" because each placesetting included an eyemask to be worn during the dinner. Everyone could learn what it is like for the blind to eat. Meat was a 6 o'clock, potato at 11, and veggies at 1 o'clock.

And what about "White Cane Day?" Who of us even know that this is a national day of awareness for the blind and visually impaired? Apparently not the State of VT. At last night's dinner I happened to sit next to a gentleman (Mr. G.) who wants to learn new ways to promote this in VT. He did a google and was pleased to see a reference to an offical state of VT website. However, as he read the reference, it noted that "White Cane Day" was included as one of the five silliest holidays in VT. He fired off an email to Secretary of State Deb Markowicz to enlighten her about this, and he requested an apology on behalf of persons with disabilities who may be offended by this reference. She apologized; "White Cane Day" as a silly holiday is now removed from the site. Mr. G. is taking this one step further, however. He is requesting that the state officially promote this annual day of awareness. No response as yet...

Good news is, I hear Mayor Peter Clavelle of Burlington, VT has participated in "white Cane Day" by walking down Church Street, blindfolded and with a cane. All to raise awareness. Seems that many people are not conscious of making way for a person with a cane. "White Cane Day" is coming to a state near you in October. Any suggestions for observing this day?

John Adams

Well, I finally completed my read of David McCullough's John Adams, (751pp).
Some little known facts:

1)The Declaration of Independence was actually signed on August 2, 1776. It was signed in haste because of pesty black flies biting the delegates. The actual signing was a low key event with names of the signatories hidden from King George III; if things didn't work out and the country would fall back into the hands of the British, the penalty for treason would be hanging. It took great courage to put one's name on the Declaration.

2)John and Abigail Adams' daughter Nabby died of breast cancer.

3)If 250 New York votes would have swung for President John Adams, he would have gained enough electoral votes for a 2nd term. He was the first President defeated for reelection, and he left town before the new President Jefferson was inaugurated. Why did he not stay to demonstrate a peaceful transition of power? It may be that he was not invited.

I'm a McCullough fan because his books are so thoroughly researched and referenced, yet read almost like novels, giving a real immediate sense of the times.

I haven't decided on my next book. Any recommendations?

By Popular Request

Okay, jk, so you didn't like my little joke (see comments on Sept 15 post), and you request a "classic." At the risk of being very foolish, here it is, a classic:

"What do you call a dog with no legs?"

"Call him anything you want, he's not coming."


Bwaaaaaaaaa-ha-hahahahaaaa!

Addie K, you'd be proud...

of us. Tonite Dad and I went to an ART EXHIBIT reception and opening at the Fleming Museum. Featured was New Turf, artists depicting landscapes in the abstract. We really liked Jane Fine's work Sugar Time.

I'm posting a link to Gail Salzman's paintings. Just click on the title of this post to see "Convergence," one of her artworks. Seeing the art on a flat screen, of course, in no way does it justice.

There was also a new exhibit of tea cups and tea pots through the centuries, and another landscape-related display by an artist named Hewitt who used Vermont dirt for the pigment in his paints. (An interesting technique, but I found his work rather dull compared to that in New Turf.)

I do hope Nancy S gets to the Fleming. Her art reflects nature so beautifully; she may be interested in seeing the landscape works.

The Best of Times, The Worst of Times

Who of us are really paying attention? I like reading historical accounts, but WE are the ones living in historic times. A war in Iraq costing well over 200 billion dollars - not to mention the cost of human life; a catastrophic natural disaster disrupting millions in the Gulf states - the estimated financial cost to be greater than that of the Iraq war - with economic shock waves to be felt throughout the nation for years to come; current Senate hearings to confirm Judge Roberts as the 17th Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court of our land; the threat of terror from Muslim extremists who could attack at any place, at any time, in any way (how to guard against this?); a Sudanese genocide... These things are reported daily in the media, yet many of us are so very unaware of the events swirling around us, impacting our lives.

Observing events as mere spectators is not enough. Knowledge calls forth a response. How do we become actively engaged so as to make a positive difference?

George quoted Dickens, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." Where do we go from here?

This One Made Me Laugh

From my LOL link:


TEACHER: George, go to the map and find North America.

GEORGE: Here it is!

TEACHER: Correct. Now class, who discovered America?

CLASS: George!

THE JOHNSTOWN FLOOD and BARAK OBAMA

Vacation days and time to read.

Geo bought me a copy of David's McCullough's first book The Johnstown Flood,an account of the disaster in Pennsylvania May 31, 1889. Similarities between that event and the current event in the Gulf States is remarkable. In both, engineering deficiencies were evident but not corrected to withstand a catastrophe. The lowest economic classes were most affected. Communications broke down. People survived on rooftops. Families were separated. The blame game began at the outset. There were rumors of looting. Stench was horrific and- in Johnstown- it lasted for months. In one paragraph McCullough refers to the displaced victims as "refugees." (What was that discusion a few days ago? Are hurricane/flood victims "refugees" or "American evacuees?") A worthwhile read.

A second book recommended to me by Geo was Barak Obama's Dreams from My Father. I was struck by Sen. Obama's candor. This is not an autobiography simply of the events of his life, but of a driving search for his identity as an African American. He bears his soul in this book in a way few others would even dare. It is an important book for a perspective on ethnicity and race in one's self-identity, and in the role of family in one's education and social achievements. It is an important book regardless of any political persuasion. Watch for Sen. Obama's rise in the national political scene. My prediction is: Democratic VP candidate 2008.

On to the next literary adventure...

Thanks, Mr. G...

for selecting my electric trimmer. You selected it, Geo purchased it, and I'm using it. Our shrubbery is so overgrown, a handtrimmer is no longer effective. This morning I did the trimming and Geo hauled away the clippings. I'm glad it's a fairly light weight trimmer. My left arm is still somewhat numb; anything heavier, I'd have a hard time managing. This one is just right. Thank you!

Up To My Neck

These are vacation days for me. I've been up at camp spending most of my time reading. These are the best days at camp. It's after Labor Day when the "tourists" are gone, the shore is quiet, the days are still sunny-warm.
From the weather reports, I knew yesterday would be my best final opportunity for the season. The water was clear and the lake temp was 69 degrees. I'm not one to suddenly plunge in; I got used to the water gradually, step by step. It was so very refreshing. I kept going into the waves until I was in up to my neck. And then I started to swim. It was Sept 7, the skies were blue, the sunlight was golden on the waters, and I was swimming in Lake Champlain.
Not only do I enjoy being in the water, but also breathing in the fresh lake air. I lingered on the shore last evening until the sun disappeared behind Woods Island. There was no place else I'd rather be on Sept 7.

HOPE

I haven't posted for a few days. Geo and I have spent many hours watching CNN, FOX and MSNBC - just prior to the recent disaster and all the days following. In the comfort of our living room we've seen the hurricane, flooding, fires, destruction, anarchy, evacuations, and the desperation of abandoned people on a scale unimaginable. Through T-V I'm witnessing all of this, yet I just cannot wrap my mind around what is happening. I cannot even imagine the horror of the destruction and the pain of human loss.
New Orleans, the Gulf Coast, inland towns and cities and residents are irrevocably changed. In the comfort of my living room I now feel out of touch, like a helpless spectator. However, just as life as we knew it changed after 9-11, so our lives will change post Katrina. The hurricane struck and the waves and the ripples will reach most every person in the United States. For me the bottom line is: how do we regard our fellow human beings; how do we regard one another? Perhaps the one thing to be salvaged in all this mess is hope.
The psychological impact will be immense. Jenna, if you do become a clinical psychologist, you will have your work cut out for you for years to come. And Adriene, with your degree you will be able to help people to see and to appreciate beauty once again, and to be enriched by it.
I am happy to hear that Wells College was one of the first to announce they would accept the relocation of college students to their campus. This will be an opportunity for one of our family to reach out to personally welcome a few of those who were immediately affected by this catastrophe.

Thank you!

Thanks, A and J, for publishing comments, and thanks to Cyndy, Barb M, and Jim T and everyone else for checking out my blog.
Watch for updates, click on any of the 6 links and the comments, and add comments of your own, if you'd like.

Take Five

My kids will tell you that one thing that really upsets me is a messy house. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed because I just can't seem to keep caught up with it all.
I recall advice from someone who said, "If the task takes five minutes or less, just do it." Five minutes or less. As I look around, I see a lot I could accomplish in five minutes or less. What a difference that would make. I could complete 12 whole projects within one hour.
All those ten minute projects -- they'll just have to wait for another day.

"I Took a Moment...

from my day
Wrapped it up in things you say
Mailed it off to your address
You'll get it pretty soon unless..."

I was inspired by Phish's Velvet Sea when I entered the blog address for my online journal.

Watch for Trey's release of Shine in November.

An Amazing Day...

...in Vermont today. Temp in the low 80s, sunny skies.

George is taking the ferry to NY state, having a picnic and seeing the musical Oklahoma. This is an event of the VT Blind and Visually Impaired group, and Geo is going along. Our contact with this group has been wonderful...more about that another time.
I hear Adriene is dropping an Impressionist class now to take it in Spring when she goes to Paris. Smart move. I'm eager to hear how all her classes are going, especially with all the major changes on campus this year.

Tonite is Jenna's second evening volunteering in Pediatrics. She needed an application with references, 2 orientations, 2 visits for a TB test and check, another visit to get her picture ID and a "shadow day" before they let her work. Anyone going through all that certainly shows commitment. Fletcher Allen has a top notch Peds Dept, so it should be one terrific experience for Jenn. Maybe someday we will have a child psychologist in the family.

Oh, one of my links did not work. I fixed the html, and now it's working great. More links to come.

Jenn, you were the very first to publish a comment. Thanks, Mom

Entry #1

Okay, Jenna, Here I am...and you thought you'd never see me here.
I survived the 660 mile round trip taking Adriene to Aurora. It was actually a fun trip - each time it gets a little easier. Am so happy to know she is settling in, and that she has a very nice roommate. Am also glad that Jenna is IT person helping the 1st years get connected. I just know that this will be one terrific year for both.
Geo is out for tea with the guys. And I need to finish up my cases for August. Oh, I'm looking forward to happy vacation time.
Thanks to my family for all you do, and for making me proud, with love...